Dragon Show

After the big Halloween shows are over, and after the elaborate lights of the holidays are gone, you might wonder what in the immersive world can get you through the winter. Spy Brunch LLC, makers of Safehouse ’77 and Safehouse ’82, must have been wondering the same thing. So they put together a magical show about dragons and fairies. It’s like a comforting blanket during what would otherwise be an immersive desert in the winter. It’s called, naturally, Dragon Show.

Unlike some of the more elaborate immersive productions I’ve seen, Dragon Show conveys a more personal, almost intimate connection. Not to be cliché, but this genuinely feels like a labor of love. Nearly everyone in the crew has multiple roles, and it seems like the creators really put their all into it. So what is it about?

Here Be Dragons

Dragon Show is big on atmosphere and light on narrative. The gist is that you are magically transported from the human world to a meadow where fairies live. You get to interact with them, learn about them, and ultimately discover their purpose (and yours). The show embraces whimsy and relies on the audience to be curious about the world they’ve created. It’s largely a sandbox, with guests free to roam around and talk to whichever fairy catches their fancy. Each are introduced with a song, so you have a sense of who you’d like to learn more about.

At key times, everyone’s attention is drawn to a major event that plays out. There is also an opportunity for a small subgroup to have a secret scene, and then everyone comes together at the end for a more controlled narrative finale, losing the improvisational feel of the earlier portions of the show. But enough about structure! Dragon Show’s strength is its “vibe,” as the kids would say (I think).

As the Wyrm Turns

The on-boarding (and off-boarding for that matter) have the feel of a great home haunt (but not scary), with fun lighting and decor, yet decidedly low-key. The main set is a residential backyard, dressed as a fairy glen, with toadstools, twinkle lights, and other trappings of fairy life. The real showstopper is the finale, entirely created within that same residence’s garage. It’s impressive and shows real artistry.

The cast deserves a lot of recognition. Surprisingly, I can’t exactly list their roles without spoilers, but I will say they are all distinctive and nimbly switch between song, comedy, puppetry, improv, and narration. There’s a dash of “Who’s on First?”, some Broadway “Lion King,” a bit of the Lollipop Guild, and some good old “telling stories around a campfire.” Maybe even some “Princess Bride.” No doubt everyone will have their favorite performer, but I think each one brings something memorable to the show. I also recognized at least two from previous Spy Brunch productions, which was fun to feel like an “insider.”

How Do Dragons Blow Out Candles?

Dragon Show is also the safest event I’ve been to since COVID began. It’s largely outdoors, all attendees are required to be vaccinated, boosted, and wear masks throughout. The performers (also vaccinated) do not wear masks most of the time. I appreciated the attention that went into making this as safe as possible. I also appreciated that the show was a real respite from everyday worries. It was just so nice to slip into this magical world, learn about fairy life, be assigned a dragon spirit, and go home with a cool souvenir, one of my favorite “traditions” of immersive theater. It all just feels warm, in every sense except the literal–because most of the show is outside, and it’s February, it may get chilly. Wear a jacket!

Dragon Show is only running 3 more weekends, on Fridays and Saturdays through February 19th. I wish it was always there, a place I could go to just hang out and learn more about the Fae Folk. Alas, all good things must end. Attendees must be 16 years old, the show runs about 75 minutes, and tickets are available on this website, along with more information about the show. Don’t let this one pass you by!